Title: The Taming of the Tiger
Author: Rebecca Vineyard
Published in October 2007 by Awe-Struck Books
Genre: Historical
ISBN: 978-1-58749-637-0
Related Books: None
Other books: Awakening, Journey, The Pickpocket, and Sinful Rain
Into the Welsh woods of her hometown, a little girl frees an abused tiger from a traveling carnival. Grown up now, she encounters a different kind of tiger, a man despondent by a deceitful fate. Although his roar is fierce, she sets out to tame this tiger, for he also holds her heart.
Gwendoline Rhys Wilhelm loves music, both playing and singing. Her father forbids her to sing or play anything but hymns, then only on Sundays. An independent fiery natured child, she sneaks into the countryside just to sing or into her uncle’s tavern to play the keyboard, duly satisfying her need. Gwen’s stanch passion for music grows with her into adulthood. Going against 18th century propriety, she elopes with a composer so she may freely sing and play music. Disowned by her father, Gwen’s life is hard while in an unhappy marriage. So much that even her love of music begins to wither. Then she meets a German nobleman who gives her hope and bodily pleasures.
Marquess Brandon Blackwood is a bitter man since his wife’s adulterous death. Wenching, drinking or the distraction of raising a son cannot lessen the pain. Attending the opera gives him some pleasure, listening to Lady Diva turn appalling compositions into relatively entertaining pieces. Her physical beauty and enchanting melodious voice are all he sees or hears. Brandon finally meets her while looking for his wayward son. Mitchell. Finagling a dinner invitation he enjoys her company, without further thought that her brother is one of the many men his deceased wife bedded.
The Taming of the Tiger is a natural historical romance, riddled with sarcastic humor delivered by strong, charming characters. Werner Wilhelm is a self absorbed man, spend thrifty while using others for his own gain. Gwen is one such victim, as his orientation leans towards those of the male persuasion. When her friend Cynthia reveals this to her, they storm the Emperor’s bathhouse trying to catch Werner and his lover. An amusing moment in this story, they intimidate a hunky guard, then blatantly make their way through a throng of wealthy naked men - without stumbling or blushing.
Cornering Werner and his lover the Emperor’s son, Gwen demands an annulment since he did not consummate their marriage; instead allowed another man to perform the task. Standing firm, she threatens Werner to agree to the annulment, if he doesn’t she will publicize his illicit frivolities. Werner has a more shocking confession as the priest performing their marriage was an actor; leaving Gwen’s reputation in ruins. Now no man would marry her or so she thought as Brandon Blackwood steps from the shadows offering to marry her. Awwwww… too sweet.
Barely knowing one another, Gwen and Brandon overcome many obstacles once married, mostly within the scope of trust. Her lively banter and humble logic at times confuses Brandon though makes him laugh from the simplicity; something he hasn’t done for a long time. Still he struggles to open up fully to Gwen’s unrestrained love. Fears the baring leads only to more heart pain of which he cannot endure again. Gwen’s fears ruining the Blackwood name by her inexperience as a noble person combined with her tainted past. Brandon’s Aunt Edna does not make her ordeal any better, appalled that her nephew married a singer – disgraceful.
However, Mitchell, Brandon’s son, steals scene after scene as his pre-teen sarcasm makes for a chuckling read. Mitchell torments his father with shocking outbursts and insights throughout the story and at times deftly putting his father in place with his candidness:
“So Father,” said Mitchell from the safety of his couch, “are you planning on making Lady Diva your mistress?”
Brand sighed. “Mitchell, when are you going to stop making such outrageous--”
“You did invite her to dine with us,” the boy pointed out. “You’ve never asked a lady to do that before. At least not in front of me.”
He shrugged as he met his father’s glare. “Oh, I’m not trying to offend you, Father, really I’m not. I’m just curious that’s all. From what I’ve seen, you usually just bed your wenches, then send them on their way. Whores they were, just like Moth--”
“Mitchell!” Brand roared. […] “Mitchell, “ he tried again, “I realize I have not been setting the best example as a father--”
“On the contrary, Father, you’ve taught me all I need to know about how to drink, gamble and wench like a perfect rake.”
Hard to argue that point!
Richard Rhys, Gwen’s brother, and his wife Diana (Brandon’s ex-sister-in-law) plot to bring the Blackwood family to ruin. Brandon’s past continues to haunt their marriage as Gwen uncovers details of what really happened long ago - between his dead wife and Richard. Once he accepts the truth Brandon is devastated by guilt, though turns those years of anger into a formidable revenge. Richard and Diana are not deterred by Brandon’s wrath and power, for murder is always a solution.
The Taming of the Tiger, published through Awe-Struck Ebooks, is an engaging and thrilling historical romance. The musical theme was captivating as Ms. Vineyard entwines historical bits involving Mozart; his presence brief though attention-grabbing. Genuine characters keep the reader enthralled with the smooth moving though exciting plot. Ms. Vineyard’s other Awe-Struck titles include: Awakening, Journey, The Pickpocket, and Sinful Rain. The Taming of the Tiger is a splendid easy read, great for that solitary day at home.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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